Attornies: Advocating for Our Loved Ones

Our son, Mark David Kinsey, died unexpectedly on June 1, 2019 from a drug overdose. We mourn his loss, and have seen the grief and devastation his death has caused us, his parents, his sisters and brothers, the entire family, friends, first responders, and the entire community.


Within each day there is some event, some activity, which drives home the impact of his death on our lives. This is not something actively sought. On many days remembering his loss, and the grief it brings, is utterly exhausting to the point where we are mentally, physically, and spiritually spent.

Most recently we have been meeting with the district attorney regarding the criminal prosecution of these individuals responsible for selling drugs to Mark, and responsible for his death, and going to court as spectators, at the invitation of the district attorney.

These multiple meetings and court visits has also been mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. Not only does talking about the 'facts' of the case bring everything back to remembrance, to our mind how the law views the 'facts' of this case does not even begin to measure up to the grief and pain we have suffered, and will continue bear, until the day we are called home to be with our Lord and Savior.

The people being held in Mark's 'case' have entered a guilty plea to possession of a narcotic, fentanyl, and criminally negligent homicide. (Two Plead Guilty) The law views these charges as appropriate to the crime. Our opinion differs greatly - murder in the first degree would be our charge. Did these people not know that any narcotic can be deadly? And that fentanyl is one of the most lethal narcotics being sold? (Deaths by Drug Overdose) Did these people not willingly sell this narcotic, fentanyl, with the full knowledge it can be, and is, fatal?

It is painful to the extreme to continue revisiting the 'facts' of Mark's death. Yet we persist in the interest of seeking justice for Mark, and others like Mark, who are dealing with a substance use disorder. There is no shame in speaking plainly about this awful disease. We encourage parents, sisters and brothers, family and friends to continue to advocate for those with a substance use disorder. If it can save one life, our efforts will have been worthwhile.

God bless you all.